The emerging regulatory landscape for aquaponics in Scandinavia- a case study for the transition to a circular economy

We explore aquaponics in the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden and Denmark) through policy analysis, semi‐structured case study interviews with industry actors, and a review of the historical context. We find the regulatory landscape for aquaponics in respective countries has emerged in reaction to historical precedents in aquaculture and agriculture, and specific legislation on aquaponics is slow to develop. Aquaponics operations typically must meet two disparate sets of regulations. As such, it creates a complex barrier to commercial scaling up and the transition to a more sustainable circular economy. We conclude with specific policy suggestionsfor aquaponics, but also note larger lessonsfor the regulatory challengesthat occur when the circular economy application attempt to bridge two or more different areas of policies.